Fertilizer Question

GeorgeIV · 06-10-2010, 08:38 AM

I have been using the Stokes Tropicals' Banana Blend (6-2-12) for bananas planted in coastal South Carolina about 1 month ago. I water daily with a dripper hose, allowing the soil to drain fully in between waterings. The fertilizer is said to be a 3-month formula, but this seems to me to be pretty infrequent as a sole source for such heavily feeding plants. Stokes does not answer email inquiries.

Any advice or experience out there?

Abnshrek · 06-10-2010, 09:14 AM

I use the "Banana Fuel" Richard sells from growmore I do believe.. 15-5-30 it works better than what I was using last yea. No doubt.. It helps to know what kind of banana's you growing for one of the smart guys to answer that one. Your climate, soil might help as well :^)

GeorgeIV · 06-10-2010, 09:20 AM

1) I am in Charleston - ~ zone 8-9.

2) Blue java plants.

2) I already have spent the $$ for the fertilizer - just want to know how to use it.

Thanks!

Richard · 06-10-2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeIV

1) I am in Charleston - ~ zone 8-9.

2) Blue java plants.

2) I already have spent the $$ for the fertilizer - just want to know how to use it.

Thanks!

Drip irrigation is a poor approach. If your soil drains extremely fast, then water once every 3-4 days, otherwise once per 5-7 days depending on the season. Apply about 3 gallons per foot of height. Use 3-4 streamer emitters per plant on 1/2 inch pipe for your irrigation system. Measure the output of the streamers for a few minutes to learn how many gallons per minute your system outputs. Be sure to have a 3-4 inches of 1-inch diameter mulch on the top of the soil to eliminate surface evaporation and create an ecosystem for beneficial soil microbes.

Application Rates for "Stokes Tropicals Banana Fertilizer 6-2-12" on fruiting banana plants during active growing season:
TC plantlet or seedling -- 1 teaspoon per month
Small or potted plant -- 0.4 lbs per month
Mature plant in ground -- 1.67 lbs per month

Blake09 · 06-10-2010, 12:10 PM

I use a 10-10-10. I try and stay away from liquid though.

bananarama2 · 06-11-2010, 03:18 PM

I had wondered about fertilizing bananas myself, and there still seems to be no consensus on the issue here yet. I'm thinking that something along the 10-10-10 balance makes lots of sense, given that bananas in their natural habitat tend to grow on heavily leached soils,so are wanting for all nutrients. Also, the mention of heavy watering as a necessity (bananas being probably 85% water anyway) is extremely important (imho), since tropical climes usually experience high rainfall amounts on a daily or semi-daily basis. So....as I always say...if you want the plant to thrive, try to "think" like the plant. Provide it the growing environment it thrives in naturally.

LilRaverBoi · 06-11-2010, 07:35 PM

Welcome to the site....I hope you enjoy it here. There are a lot of smart plant people around to answer your questions. I would say you can definitely fertilize more than once every three months on bananas....probably at least once a month.

cowboyup4christ · 06-11-2010, 09:48 PM

I use a 10-15-30 naners need a lot of potassium. and fertilize every two weeks and water at least daily if it has not rained.

Richard · 06-11-2010, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bananarama2

I had wondered about fertilizing bananas myself, and there still seems to be no consensus on the issue here yet.

The consensus may be found in research reports from leading agricultural universities, or viewed under "Specific Needs Of Bananas" here: Info:Fertilizer - Bananas Wiki

Quote:

Originally Posted by bananarama2

... given that bananas in their natural habitat tend to grow on heavily leached soils ...

Bananas grow "naturally" in many environments. A more important focus is the most effective balance and biological capacity for nutrients to produce a healthy plant and worthwhile crop.

sbl · 06-12-2010, 09:00 PM

A balanced fertilizer is not the best for bananas. Excess P can tie up minerals and the runoff contributes to eutrophication in freshwater systems. Bananas need lots of K and N.

Caloosamusa · 06-13-2010, 11:53 AM

In N-P-K ratio where you have sandy soils and 52 to 65 inches of annual rainfall a 3-1-9 ratio is good with trace and minor elements.

bananarama2 · 06-13-2010, 01:29 PM

Thanks to all for your comments and viewpoints on the fertilization question. The Banana Wiki was particularly insightful, only confused by the number of persons that do, in fact, use balanced fertilizers as well. So, no real concensus, but a lot of pertainent information. The variables of site such as soil type, precipitation and climate obviously play a huge role in making a decision. I would guess that if a balanced ratio fertilizer is used, one should opt for lower weighted ratios, applied more frequently, to avoid over-concentrating elements in the root zone. Personally, I'd opt for something like one of the 15-5-5 ratios for ease and safety of application. If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it! Thanks all!

sbl · 06-13-2010, 01:53 PM

Soil and rainfall do make a huge difference, but both N and K are more likely to be washed away by rain, so in areas of high rainfall, ratios with high N and K are even more important. P tends to bind with minerals and only washes away with the soil.

Richard · 06-13-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bananarama2

Personally, I'd opt for something like one of the 15-5-5 ratios for ease and safety of application. If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it! Thanks all!

15-5-5 with micros is good for back-yard lettuces and leafy herbs -- but a poor choice for fruiting bananas.

CoryS · 06-20-2010, 04:58 AM

I didn't know much about fertilizers [before I read your intro!] but definitely, welcome to the site! Much thanks, everybody!

I'm a noob too and just learned a lot about fertilizing!

cowboyup4christ · 06-20-2010, 08:16 AM

I have found that a high K fertilizer like 5-15-30 or 0-0-25 has really help mine to produce this year many more pups, they are planted in horse manure and top soil so they get their nitrogen from that. I think the 5-15 30 has been the trick. of course my soil is really l;ow in potash and phosphorous

06-10-2010, 08:38 AM	#1 (permalink)
GeorgeIV Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2 BananaBucks : 4,874 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Fertilizer Question I have been using the Stokes Tropicals' Banana Blend (6-2-12) for bananas planted in coastal South Carolina about 1 month ago. I water daily with a dripper hose, allowing the soil to drain fully in between waterings. The fertilizer is said to be a 3-month formula, but this seems to me to be pretty infrequent as a sole source for such heavily feeding plants. Stokes does not answer email inquiries. Any advice or experience out there?

06-10-2010, 09:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
Abnshrek Happy Growing Abnshrek 's Photo Gallery Location: Beaumont Texas Find me on the map! Zone: 8b, but 9b weather.. Name: Migael / Michael Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 9,493 BananaBucks : 320,868 Feedback: 45 / 100% Said "Thanks" 10,447 Times Was Thanked 16,443 Times in 5,238 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2,318 Times	Re: Fertilizer Question I use the "Banana Fuel" Richard sells from growmore I do believe.. 15-5-30 it works better than what I was using last yea. No doubt.. It helps to know what kind of banana's you growing for one of the smart guys to answer that one. Your climate, soil might help as well :^) __________________ I'm a Nannerhead :^)

06-10-2010, 09:20 AM	#3 (permalink)
GeorgeIV Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2 BananaBucks : 4,874 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Fertilizer Question 1) I am in Charleston - ~ zone 8-9. 2) Blue java plants. 2) I already have spent the $$ for the fertilizer - just want to know how to use it. Thanks!

06-10-2010, 12:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
Blake09 Blake09 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Zone: Zone 7B Name: Blake Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1,237 BananaBucks : 153,862 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,424 Times Was Thanked 1,105 Times in 448 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 328 Times	Re: Fertilizer Question I use a 10-10-10. I try and stay away from liquid though. __________________ A banana plant in the autumn gale - I listen to the dripping of rain Into a basin at night. ~ Basho Matsuo (1644- 1694)

06-11-2010, 03:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
bananarama2 bananarama2's Photo Gallery Location: The drier, sunny East Coast of the West Coast, on Vancouver Island Find me on the map! Zone: 8a to 8b (?) Name: Rik Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 165 BananaBucks : 14,908 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 102 Times Was Thanked 221 Times in 96 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 25 Times	Re: Fertilizer Question I had wondered about fertilizing bananas myself, and there still seems to be no consensus on the issue here yet. I'm thinking that something along the 10-10-10 balance makes lots of sense, given that bananas in their natural habitat tend to grow on heavily leached soils,so are wanting for all nutrients. Also, the mention of heavy watering as a necessity (bananas being probably 85% water anyway) is extremely important (imho), since tropical climes usually experience high rainfall amounts on a daily or semi-daily basis. So....as I always say...if you want the plant to thrive, try to "think" like the plant. Provide it the growing environment it thrives in naturally. __________________ If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Members currently in the chatroom: 0
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06-11-2010, 07:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
LilRaverBoi Nanner Time! LilRaverBoi's Photo Gallery Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Find me on the map! Zone: 5 Name: Bryan Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,937 BananaBucks : 152,519 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 534 Times Was Thanked 2,243 Times in 1,245 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 855 Times	Re: Fertilizer Question Welcome to the site....I hope you enjoy it here. There are a lot of smart plant people around to answer your questions. I would say you can definitely fertilize more than once every three months on bananas....probably at least once a month. __________________ BANANA RAVE! Feel the beat from start to stop, dancin' and movin' from bottom to top! lilraverboi@genxglow.com RIP Tog Tan. We love you and will always remember you! I'm Bryan with a Y! There is no 'I' in BRYAN!

06-11-2010, 09:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
cowboyup4christ cowboyup4christ's Photo Gallery Location: Carthage NC Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Name: Jim Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 327 BananaBucks : 80,186 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 14 Times Was Thanked 217 Times in 93 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Fertilizer Question I use a 10-15-30 naners need a lot of potassium. and fertilize every two weeks and water at least daily if it has not rained. __________________ Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. In Christ Jim Babb Chile peppers go good with anything even naners and Ice Cream http://www.uponhigherground.com/waddscreek/ http://www.hs.facebook.com/pages/Car...m/254209619224

06-12-2010, 09:00 PM	#10 (permalink)
sbl sbl's Photo Gallery Location: Pensacola, FL Find me on the map! Zone: 8/9 Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,013 BananaBucks : 87,106 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 177 Times Was Thanked 733 Times in 395 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 154 Times	Re: Fertilizer Question A balanced fertilizer is not the best for bananas. Excess P can tie up minerals and the runoff contributes to eutrophication in freshwater systems. Bananas need lots of K and N.

06-13-2010, 11:53 AM	#11 (permalink)
Caloosamusa Caloosamusa's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,578 BananaBucks : 32,229 Feedback: 1 / 67% Said "Thanks" 3,829 Times Was Thanked 1,556 Times in 675 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 334 Times	Re: Fertilizer Question In N-P-K ratio where you have sandy soils and 52 to 65 inches of annual rainfall a 3-1-9 ratio is good with trace and minor elements.

06-13-2010, 01:29 PM	#12 (permalink)
bananarama2 bananarama2's Photo Gallery Location: The drier, sunny East Coast of the West Coast, on Vancouver Island Find me on the map! Zone: 8a to 8b (?) Name: Rik Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 165 BananaBucks : 14,908 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 102 Times Was Thanked 221 Times in 96 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 25 Times	Re: Fertilizer Question Thanks to all for your comments and viewpoints on the fertilization question. The Banana Wiki was particularly insightful, only confused by the number of persons that do, in fact, use balanced fertilizers as well. So, no real concensus, but a lot of pertainent information. The variables of site such as soil type, precipitation and climate obviously play a huge role in making a decision. I would guess that if a balanced ratio fertilizer is used, one should opt for lower weighted ratios, applied more frequently, to avoid over-concentrating elements in the root zone. Personally, I'd opt for something like one of the 15-5-5 ratios for ease and safety of application. If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it! Thanks all! __________________ If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

06-13-2010, 01:53 PM	#13 (permalink)
sbl sbl's Photo Gallery Location: Pensacola, FL Find me on the map! Zone: 8/9 Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,013 BananaBucks : 87,106 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 177 Times Was Thanked 733 Times in 395 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 154 Times	Re: Fertilizer Question Soil and rainfall do make a huge difference, but both N and K are more likely to be washed away by rain, so in areas of high rainfall, ratios with high N and K are even more important. P tends to bind with minerals and only washes away with the soil.

06-20-2010, 04:58 AM	#15 (permalink)
CoryS Novice Gardener CoryS's Photo Gallery Location: OK Find me on the map! Zone: 7 Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 727 BananaBucks : 87,610 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,362 Times Was Thanked 709 Times in 302 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 46 Times	Re: Fertilizer Question I didn't know much about fertilizers [before I read your intro!] but definitely, welcome to the site! Much thanks, everybody! I'm a noob too and just learned a lot about fertilizing! __________________ Sunlight makes plants grow and people live. -Me

06-20-2010, 08:16 AM	#16 (permalink)
cowboyup4christ cowboyup4christ's Photo Gallery Location: Carthage NC Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Name: Jim Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 327 BananaBucks : 80,186 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 14 Times Was Thanked 217 Times in 93 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Fertilizer Question I have found that a high K fertilizer like 5-15-30 or 0-0-25 has really help mine to produce this year many more pups, they are planted in horse manure and top soil so they get their nitrogen from that. I think the 5-15 30 has been the trick. of course my soil is really l;ow in potash and phosphorous __________________ Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. In Christ Jim Babb Chile peppers go good with anything even naners and Ice Cream http://www.uponhigherground.com/waddscreek/ http://www.hs.facebook.com/pages/Car...m/254209619224

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